Question

Morphine is the structure chiefly responsible for the biological activity of opium. What is the name given to the chemical that is chiefly responsible for the biological activity of a natural extract:
A) Lead compound
B) Active principle
C) Pharmacophore
D) Lead principle

Answer 1

Morphine is known as the pain medication from the opiate family. It is found naturally from plants and animals. It acts on the central nervous system of the body thereby decreasing the pain of the person. It is injected into the body through injection.

Complete answer:
Opium is the dried latex which is obtained from the seed capsules of the opium poppy Papaver somniferum. The analgesic alkaloid morphine helps in formation of opium. It is further used or processed to form heroin and other opioids. Opium is a highly addictive narcotic drug. The other derivatives of opium are fentanyl, methadone, oxycodone. The name of the chemical that is used chiefly for biological activity of a natural extract is active principle. The active ingredient is the chemical which is used in pharmaceutical drugs or the pesticide which is active biologically. The identical term of active pharmaceutical ingredient and bulk active substance are used for natural products also.

Hence, the correct option is (B).

Note: Morphine gets bound with the opiate receptor such as kappa, delta, mu and helps in controlling brain functions. It is not linked to serum enzyme elevations during the therapy or during liver injury. If it is taken without prescription or overdose it can have adverse effects that lead to psychological or physical dependence.